Forever Miss Vanity: Blogging Tips

As my blog popularity has grown, I've noticed even more that I'm getting requests for blogger tips. It's something that I've never really thought about doing in the past as I've felt very much an amateur, but after almost three years blogging I think I've earned my place to give some advice. Forever Miss Vanity was created during the spring of 2011 after I felt the desire to express my love for fashion and beauty, but realised I didn't really have an outlet to do that. I signed up to blogger nervously and thought even if I got a handful of readers I would feel accomplished. I'm well aware that I don't have a vast following like many fashion and beauty blogs, but for someone who was heavily bullied throughout their life, who lacks self confidence to have over 1,000 subscribers is a massive achievement. My blog has gone through a lot of changes through the last few years and now, I'm finally happy with the outcome. Of course I have days where I'm a little bit disheartened, where I could throw in the towel, but after my five minute tantrum I realise that I have something to be proud of and more importantly, I have the most wonderfully supportive followers.

Be Passionate and Unique

In the words of Glamour magazine 'Hey It's Ok!' To not wear a Celine T-shirt, have all the Naked palettes and to think disco pants are the best thing since sliced bread. It's not hard to realise that blogging is becoming overpopulated. Everyone and their dog wants to be a blogger at the moment. It's in the magazines that it's the 'in thing' to do, it's all over Twitter and a lot of people are trying to be the same. One thing I've learnt is to be passionate about your subjects and most importantly be unique. Don't be afraid to blog about something that you love, but it 'isn't popular'. Don't be scared to express your personality. A little bit of personal flair can go quite far.

Focus on Improving Your Writing Skills

Writing is an incredibly important aspect to blogging, but it's often neglected. The amount of blogs I see with sloppy punctuation and no capitalisation shocks me.You should treat your blog like your next exciting university assignment, your work project that's going to be seen by your big boss. Would you really hand it in without carefully proofreading? Blogs should be personal, but if you're trying to capture PRs, get noticed further afield within the magazine industry or guest blogging for big brands it's important to be aware that spelling and punctuation does actually matter. Of course I'm not saying it has to be perfect, I'm sure if you skim through my pieces you will find many mistakes, but it's good to focus on improvement.

Politeness Goes Quite Far

As your mum and dad told you when you were younger, politeness gets you everywhere and it really does. When you realise that you're doing something really well it's natural that your ego is going to get a little boost, but it's best taking the modest approach. After all, there's dozens of people where you first started and PRs are human. They enjoy you taking time out to wish them Happy New Year or to say your 'Ps' and 'Qs'. Demanding products simply because you're a blogger will not get you anywhere, work your way up and gain their trust.

Be Social

If you're a new blogger and you haven't got Twitter yet, it will probably be the best thing that will ever happen to you. Many people post opportunities on Twitter, you have the chance of brands that like your blog following you and you can participate in many blog chats that will help you learn techniques you may not be aware of. Instagram is also becoming quite popular with bloggers, giving followers a photo glimpse of your life.

Invest Time Into Your Posts

I'm not sure whether it's just me, but when doing my blog posts I hate for them to be rushed. I think you should invest time in quality rather than quantity. Especially when working with brands, I believe that if a PR company is sending you products or you are given opportunities you should them that you are worth the money that are giving you. I always like to write a more in depth piece on a product rather than just a few words, it shows I've taken a lot of thought and consideration into the review.

You Don't Need an SLR

SLR cameras are great if you know how to use them, but if you don't have the money to spend on them they don't mean the end to your blog. I've seen many bloggers using really good quality affordable cameras around and when I go to events, most people use their phones. I do have an SLR, but that's due to my university course and future career choice.

You Won't Become a Celebrity Overnight...If Not Ever

Finally getting a good quality blog takes time and dedication. With so many bloggers out there it's a little hard to get noticed these days and you do have to really push yourself. But don't get disheartened, hard work and determination will eventually pay off. As I've said, it's taken me three years to get where I am today and even then, I'm not the biggest blogger on the planet. Nevertheless, I'm incredibly happy with my current success and if I ever did become the next 'London Lipgloss' or 'llymlrs' I know I will have worked hard for it.

I hope you enjoy my very basic, but vital tips about the blogging industry. Keep at what you're doing and most importantly love what you're doing - if you really believe in yourself and are passionate about your blog, it will show.

I'm quite new to blogging so it's really helpful reading advice form bloggers who are doing well. I think I meet most of your points (I Hope) and it's comforting to know I am doing something right :)I have an SLR but don't bother with it as my iPhone is much quicker to use and upload. I would love to use my SLR more but need to practice using it as I'm never happy with the pictures I produce with it.